10 Best NFL Players Not in the Hall of Fame

Zach Thomas, Linebacker

There’s something to be said about players who consistently dominate the game year after year, and former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas exemplifies this quality.

Thomas entered the league in 1996 and promptly registered a season with 154 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions. He went on from that impressive rookie year to register a career 1,727 total tackles (fifth-most among linebackers since they have been tracked), 17 interceptions, and 16 forced fumbles. He even racked up more tackles per game (9.39 average) than consensus lock Ray Lewis (9.01). All of that adds up to a whopping 150 PFR AV, 10th-most all-time among linebackers in league history.

In addition – though awards are hardly the be-all, end-all – Thomas was named an All-Pro five times and made seven Pro Bowls overall in his 13-year career. He was overshadowed by teammate/Hall of Famer/brother-in-law defensive end Jason Taylor, but Thomas deserves Canton consideration in his own right.

Hardly a compiler like some players who turned in two-decade careers, Thomas was impactful and a consistently high performer throughout his playing days. The Dolphins were lucky to have him, and the Hall of Fame would be, too.